There is more to owning knives than merely being a two-dimensional, compulsive, knife buyer.

Why do people collect knives? A non-knife collector may be of the opinion that one knife is surely enough, why would anyone want or need more than that? Another would look at the fear and intimidation angle that pointing a knife at someone exacts. But we will forgive these opinions, as true hunting knife owners are in an entirely different class of their own.

The Alpha Type

Some Alpha males would point to the primal urge that is in every man to hunt and provide. This subconscious energy drives our modern actions and finds comfort in using simple tools and spending time in the outdoors. The Alpha male profile is always looking for an edge over his environment and a knife is a natural choice for being able to overcome and succeed at a multitude of tasks. The primitive behavior that ensured the survival of the tribe is mostly absent in today's polite society. However, in the open country or in a survival situation these primitive skills are awakened, and knife-related survival skills are essential and given the respect that is due.

The Appreciative Collector

A knife owner who has a large collection may seem a little overenthusiastic to an outsider. What is not evident is that a collection takes many years to grow. The earliest piece that was collected is cherished, and there is a story attached to this piece that has deeply impacted the collector, creating the appreciation and desire to begin a collection. It goes a little further than say a shoe collection, where a knife collection would rate in a similar category as an art collection, exotic artefacts, or even a fine vintage wine collection. The beauty is in the eye of the beholder and a selection of fine knives gives the collector as much satisfaction as a masterpiece would bring to an art collector.

The Gear Minded

There is a language that is spoken that is understood by a listener in that they understand the words, but the sentences are completely incomprehensible. Knife and gear language has its own vocabulary and is understood by a niche group of people that sets them apart from the crowd. Climbers will talk of crags, lead and second, belayers and pitch. When you need to rescue someone on a cliff this is the skill set you need. Hikers will use words like base weight, GPS, rock hop, scree, and slackpack. A gear-minded person will have extensive knowledge of the finer details of their chosen passion.

Knife owners will use words like edge retention, knife action, belly, bevel, drop point, spine, heft..., and metals and handle materials are important considerations. Knife qualities are instantly recognized, where workmanship and attention to detail are appreciated.

Ultimately a gear-minded person will gravitate towards using and owning the best equipment for their chosen sport or interest.

Arno Bernard Knives are known to have the perfect balance between edge retention and performance – If you are searching for a knife that can offer edge retention, stain and corrosion resistance, hardness and added toughness – look no further! Often an Arno Bernard Knife will be passed on as an heirloom to the next generation and make the perfect gift for both hunter and collector.